APRIL • 2013 Math till Midnight Madness The idea to create an opportunity for students to complete a faculty initiated cram session may be thought to be madness. However, the brilliant decision was made to do just that. On April 4, Jennifer Kriechbaum, Jennifer Lantz, Kama Martin, Lisa Gadd, Susan Thomas, and Trina Pissos created a cram sessionlike atmosphere in the Wheeling campus Math Lab for students enrolled in Math086, Math092, and Math093 web-based courses. unexpected curve balls life throws at us from time to time. Students had six uninterrupted hours of access to multiple math instructors to assist. Students seized the opportunity to use the time and talents of the staff on hand for the evening. The students attended ready to work. The lab was filled within the first few minutes. Twelve students worked from the start at 6 p.m. up until the end at 12 a.m. At one point there were almost 30 students in the lab. Students completed several assignments throughout the evening including review assignments, homework, quizzes, tests, and final exams. The goal of Math till Midnight Madness was to encourage Stude nt succe s earned t students to progress through i ssfull y com ckets each the en the material so that they can tim p let d name of the eve ed an assi e they finish the course prior to the gn ni w of the as drawn ng, Katelyn ment. At end of the semester, spend a s the Nook grand Christman HD. extra time on content ’s prize winn er that was troubling, or catch up from falling behind because of those The first Math till Midnight Madness event was a great success on the WVNCC Wheeling campus. It was so well received that not only did webbased math students ask for it to be held next semester, but traditional math students in both developmental math and upper level math courses are asking to be involved next time. Faculty members said the event has paved the way for other events, “showing that our students have a true desire to learn. And we are ready to meet and exceed their needs.” Instructor Jennifer Lantz with student Keith Cliser Quote by Keith Cliser “First let me congratulate you and your peers on what I felt was a successful ‘Math Madness’ experience. I think everyone was engaged and felt empowered by all the resources available to them on the evening of April 4. I don’t feel anyone including the professors should have left that night feeling the least bit disillusioned by the caliber of all those who participated that evening.“ Wheeling Ca mpus American Society of Radiologic Technologists 2013 Student Leadership was one of 61 students chosen from more than 130 entries submitted by radiologic science students from throughout the country. As part of the application process, students were required to write a 500700 word essay on how they expect to grow professionally by participating in the program. The ASRT represents 150,000 members who perform medical imaging procedures or plan and deliver radiation therapy treatments. The society also provides radiologic technology students with the tools, services and support they need to prepare for careers in medical imaging and radiation therapy. Lauren DiRemigio Lauren DiRemigio, a radiologic technology student at West Virginia Northern Community College, has been selected to participate in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists 2013 Student Leadership Development Program. DiRemigio, of Wellsburg, will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the ASRT Educational Symposium and Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting, June 13-16, in Albuquerque, N.M. In addition, DiRemigio will attend two educational courses specifically designed for students and be assigned a professional mentor during the House of Delegates meeting. According to Misty D. Kahl, WVNCC radiography program director and assistant professor, DiRemigio is a first-year student in the program and her selection “is a great honor for her as well as for Northern.” She “The Student Leadership Development Program gives medical imaging and radiation therapy students the opportunity to experience firsthand how the ASRT governance process works,” ASRT President Donna L. Thaler Long said. “While in Albuquerque, students will participate in educational activities, network with radiology leaders and learn from seasoned radiologic technologists. It’s a great way for students to get involved early and jumpstart their careers.” For more information about the ASRT and opportunities for radiologic science students, visit www.asrt.org/ students. Christina Sullivan 2013 Class of Leadership West Virginia An administrator from West Virginia Northern Community College is one of 52 leaders from throughout the state who has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2013 Class of Leadership West Virginia. Christina Sullivan, director of academic student support services at WVNCC, was among the candidates selected from a list of nominations submitted in late 2012, it was announced by Leadership West Virginia in Charleston. “We are very pleased that Christina has been selected for this prestigious group,” Dr. Martin J. Olshinsky, Northern’s president, said. “Along with her work with students, Christina was instrumental during the past two years in helping the entire college community prepare for this year’s reaccreditation visit.” Sullivan, a Wheeling native, graduated from Bethany College with a bachelor of arts in English in 2006 and completed her master of arts in communication studies from West Virginia University in 2012. She started at Northern in 2007 as the counselor-retention coordinator and assumed her new role in 2011. Leadership West Virginia is in its 22nd year as the premier statewide education and continued next page... leadership development program in West Virginia. The eight-month program identifies emerging leaders from a variety of employers throughout the state and enhances their knowledge, not only of the challenges facing the state but also the state’s unique attributes and diversity, according to Pam Farris, executive director of Leadership West Virginia. She noted interest in being a class member continues to be a very competitive process. Throughout this year, class members will travel to eight different communities in West Virginia to receive broad-based education on critical topics and, at the same time, have opportunities to hone their leadership skills, Farris added. LWV is affiliated with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. David George In honor of Autism Awareness month in April, Ohio Valley resident and motivational speaker David George discussed Asperger’s Syndrome at Northern’s Wheeling and Weirton campuses. The events were held April 17 in the B&O Building auditorium, Wheeling campus, and April 22 on the Weirton campus. George was diagnosed with a learning disability and ADD earlier in his life, and the recent additional diagnoses of Asperger’s adds another dimension to his life experiences and advice to others struggling with these disorders. He addresses the challenges he and others like him have faced to encourage social development in individuals with Asperger’s, ADD and learning disabilities as well as to generally spread awareness of these disorders to the public. The speaker also is the author of a partially autobiographical book, “Be Unique Be You and Live!” This book details George’s struggles “with a severe learning disability and ADD in an environment where he was ‘a fish out of water.’ Yet he succeeded while attending Bethany College in West Virginia and went on to graduate school. (The) book is designed to combat ignorance with inspirational principles that benefit everyone.” Sobering Reality Check Students from four area high schools observed a simulated fatal accident, followed by a trial, to demonstrate the dangers of drinking and driving on Friday, April 19. For almost two decades, the Booze & Cruise, You’ll Lose program, sponsored by Gold, Khoury & Turak law firm, has been educating teens about the tragic consequences that can result from drinking alcohol and driving. The events were held in a parking lot on the Wheeling campus and in the Education Center MPR. 2013 Career & Transfer Fair More than 70 students attended the “Explore Your Potential: 2013 Career & Transfer Fair” which was held April 11 on the Wheeling campus. Thirty colleges and employers were represented at the event. This event was coordinated by Lisa Soly, Weirton campus counselor, and Julie Horton, career services counselor, and was designed to help connect graduating students with local employers and/or four-year colleges. Horton said the Career Services department also held career events on the New Martinsville and Weirton campuses. On April 9, about 20 students met with prospective employers in New Martinsville and about 35 students attended the Weirton Career Fair on April 18. A Summer Job Fair will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, in the B&O Building auditorium, Wheeling campus. This fair will host employers who are looking for seasonal summer help as well as regular employees. The event is free and all are welcome. Registered Sergeant Nathan L. Wilson talks to students, from left, Samar Jones and Marshall Reager, about possibly “being employers include TeleTech, Cabela’s, Landmark Staffing (First Niagara all that they can be” in the U.S. Army. Pavilion), Williams Lea, Wheeling Island Casino, We’re Rolling Pretzel Co., and more. New Martinsville Ca mpus Biology Symposium Mark your calendars for the 5th Semi-Annual Biology Symposium, Tuesday, April 30, and Wednesday, May 1, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in room 110, New Martinsville campus. Students in Dr. Sherri Buerdsell’s anatomy & physiology and microbiology classes have each chosen a topic that they would like to know more in depth. They have spent the semester doing their research and planning for their presentations. Now, the posters are done and they are ready to talk to you about their topics and their displays. Previous topics have included Chronic Kidney Disease; Muscular Dystrophy; What is Asthma?; Crohn’s Disease; Parkinson’s Disease; and, Hand Sanitizer vs. Regular Soap: Which is Better? Add this important event to your calendar and plan to support the students by attending. The public also is invited. Light refreshments will be served. Sexual Assault Awareness Presentation Guest speaker Lisa Lohsl Lisa Lohsl of the Sexual Assault Help Center was the speaker at the April 15 Lunch and Learn on the New Martinsville campus. The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States and this year’s campaign focuses on healthy sexuality and child sexual abuse prevention. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. Those attending watched a video, received a variety of brochures, and had an opportunity to ask additional questions of Lisa. Thanks to the Student Activities Office for making this Lunch and Learn possible for the students and staff of the campus. Career/Internship Fair Artwork by Dennis Bills, Academic Success Center Several local businesses and organizations were on the New Martinsville campus April 9 to meet with students and the public to discuss job opportunities. Representatives from Teletech, REM, Workforce WV, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Wheeling Vet Center, were some of those who attended. The room was busy throughout the event with individuals looking for job opportunities. Thanks to Julie Horton, career services counselor, for planning this event for the students and local community. A student talks with a representative from TeleTech. Americorps Vista Guest at POLS 102 Class Dr. Raymond Keller, who was once a VISTA himself, had a guest speaker at his recent POLS 102 American National Government & Politics class. Lucia Mosesso, VISTA director, spoke to the class about the significant impact which the AmeriCorps programs have in the U.S. She indicated that Volunteers in Service to America have been helping millions of Americans since 1965 and that more than 170,000 have served as VISTAs. Some of the benefits of service include the opportunity to pay down student loans as well as providing living allowances, health care, relocation subsidies, child care and federal employment hiring preferences. Relay for Life of Wetzel County The New Martinsville campus has issued an invitation to interested individuals to join the New Martinsville Campus Team, WVNCC Thundering Chickens, at this year’s Relay for Life event. Take the time now to join and ask friends and neighbors to join with you. Do you know a survivor? Talk to him or her about joining the team. Simply go to the team page to sign up: relay.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_ id=53202&pg=entry It is OK if you can’t camp out all night. You still can play an important role by raising money to help save lives. The only requirement to participate in Relay for Life is the $10 registration/commitment fee (per person) that is due upon registration. After that, anything you can raise through individual, team, or online fundraising is graciously accepted. If you raise $100, you get an event continued next page... Memory of), a survivor or caregiver (In Honor of). The cause, of course, is a cure for cancer. Any questions, call or email Debbie Bennett. T-shirt. If you raise more, that’s even better. Even if you do not raise $100, you are still welcome to participate. Survivors still receive the purple “Survivor” shirt with their registration, and they do not have to pay the registration fee or raise additional money for this shirt. You also may purchase Luminarias for $5 for those who want to remember a loved one who has passed (In Leadership Class of 2013 The New Martinsville Leadership Class of 2013 was recognized on Friday, April 19, with a luncheon. President Martin J. Olshinsky presented certificates to students who have served in leadership positions throughout the academic year. Students were recognized for their leadership role as Campus Activity Board member: Beth Brown, William Gallagher and Melanie Lamp; PTK Officer: John Hasslebach; Student Nurses Association Officer: Dagny Butler, Theresa Hoskins, Alica Lucas, Donna Mayne, and Laura Richeson; Tutor: Rebecca Cain, John Hasslebach, David Powers, and Patricia Roper; and Work Study: Steve Carroll, Carla Haught, Melanie Lamp, and Donna Mayne. The staff and faculty of the campus extend their sincere appreciation to these students for taking these additional roles and helping achieve the mission of the College. Thank you! Front row, from left, Theresa Hoskins, Laura Richeson, Dagny Butler, Donna Mayne; second row, David Powers, Melanie Lamp, Carla Haught, Beth Brown; third row, Rebecca Cain, Patricia Roper, Melanie Pettus; last row, James Allen, Steve Carroll, John Hasselbach. Not pictured: James Brown, William Gallagher and Alicia Lucas. Weirton Ca mpus Food Drive to Benefit the Salvation Army The West Virginia Northern Community College Weirton campus conducted a food drive to benefit the Salvation Army. Counselor Lisa Soly worked in conjunction with the Student Government Association and Campus Activity Board to run the food drive and raise awareness of the community’s food needs. Those attending the presentation are, from left, Jessica Roberts, student senator; Missy Wenner, student senator; Sarah Blankenship, student senator; Barb Coburn, admission office program assistant; Tina Edwards, admission office program assistant; Brenda Greathouse, Salvation Army social services director; and Soly. Leadership Luncheons, Lecture & World Culture Berry, a part-time faculty member in business, had Paul Lauttamus (top right with Shawn Burns) from Lauttamus Communications speak to his business communications class. Frank DeCaria brought Dr. Luthra (top left) into his World Cultures class to talk to students about the Hindu culture and religion. Students were involved in a number of activities during the month. The Campus held the Student Leadership Luncheon on April 12 to recognize students who had been active leaders during the past year. Students and staff participated in a food drive for the Salvation Army and collected a barrel-full of items for their food pantry. The Lunch and Learn activity on April 17 on Sexual Assault Awareness (bottom left) was well attended. Students also participated in a career fair (bottom right) which was held on the campus on April 18. Weirton faculty took advantage of community resources to bring guest lecturers into their classrooms. Dave Weirton Campus Medieval Fair April showers may bring May flowers but on the Weirton campus, April brought a flurry of activity from student activities, to guest lectures, to a Medieval Fair held on the campus. The Medieval Fair was organized by Greg Winland with assistance from John Reho and was held on April 10. The event was sponsored by the Wheeling Regional Pre-Modern Symposium which is a collaboration of area colleges including Northern and West Liberty. Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism dressed in period costumes and provided demonstrations on weaponry, combat, dancing and other aspects of the time. West Liberty University students under the leadership of Dr. Darrin Cox created a Viking encampment and shared aspects of the Viking culture with participants. In addition to the demonstrations, there were a number of formal presentations throughout the day on a wide variety of topics. Nine current and former faculty made presentations including Mike Davis, Chris Riter, Connie Serkagis, Jim Tulley, Frank DeCaria, Jeremy Doolin, Carol Teaff, Bernie Hudak, and Joe Bream. The event was a huge success with over 200 participants. ➊ ➌ ➋ 1. Dr. Chris Riter & Michael Davis after their presentations. 2. The art of Ataal spear throwing is demonstrated. 3. Vikings for the day, these young men show off their combat skills.